Whole Foods Market is recalling ricotta salata sold in 21 states and Washington D.C. because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This is an update of a previous recall. There is a nationwide outbreak caused by that bacteria that has sickened at least 18 people in 12 states and D.C.

The recalled cheese was cut into wedges, packaged in clear plastic wrap, and sold with a Whole Foods Market scale label with the PLU 293427. In the four stores in California and Arizona that sold the cheese, it was marked with a Whole Foods scale label that read “Mitica Ricotta Salada” and with Whole Foods Market scale labels with PLU 294413. All “sell by” dates through October 2, 2012 are affected by this recall.

The symptoms of Listeria food poisoning include fever, headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The very young, the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, and pregnant women are most seriously affected by this illness. Attorney Fred Pritzker, who is representing two Listeria victims in a lawsuit against Whole Foods, said, “the retailer who cut and repackaged this cheese should immediately identify any other facility in the supply chain who sold this product to consumers. Cross-contamination has played a role in this outbreak.”

If you have purchased this product, return it to the place of purchase for a refund. For questions and more information, call the store at 512-542-0060 Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm CT. If you have eaten any type of cheese at Whole Foods or other delis and have experienced the symptoms of listeriosis, see your doctor immediately.